What To Expect From A Feeding Tube Insertion Procedure

A healthy individual places food into their mouth, which they then chew and swallow. The food moves into the stomach from the esophagus, where it is digested and broken down before entering the small intestine for nutrient absorption. When there is a structural or functional issue with any of the muscles, nerves, organs, or tissues involved in the movement of food to the stomach that keeps an individual from eating, they will need to be fed through an alternative method. A feeding tube insertion procedure, which is also called a gastrostomy, is a surgery where a feeding tube is installed in the patient's stomach through an abdominal incision. Feeding tube insertion procedures are required for patients with conditions that make it extremely difficult for them to eat normally.

Patients may require gastrostomy tube feeding for many reasons, including as a treatment for Crohn's disease and celiac disease. Babies born prematurely may need an infant feeding tube. It is often liquid food for feeding tube patients. However, individuals must first understand why these tubes are used and how the procedure works.

Why Feeding Tubes Are Used

An individual may need a feeding tube if they have trouble eating on their own. Patients may also need a feeding tube if they have a malformation of their esophagus or mouth that makes it difficult for them to eat or unsafe for them to eat normally. Individuals who have problems swallowing and keeping food down may also need to have a feeding tube inserted. Those who are not receiving adequate nutrition or fluids by mouth are also considered candidates for a feeding tube.

Common medical conditions that may necessitate the use of a feeding tube include severe burns, stroke, motor neuron disease, dementia, and cancer. Other examples are premature birth, neurologic disorders, atrial septal defect, and cerebral palsy. A temporary or even permanent feeding tube may be necessary for patients affected by bronchiolitis obliterans, celiac disease, Chiari malformation, Sanfilippo syndrome, and chronic lung disease. This also applies to Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, oral motor disorders, muscular dystrophy, macroglossia, laryngeal cleft, and kidney failure.

Learn about the types of feeding tubes next.

NEXT PAGE
NEXT PAGE

MORE FROM GoodHealthFix

    MORE FROM GoodHealthFix

      MORE FROM GoodHealthFix